Connecticut To Monitor Bridgeport Surgical Center For Two Years

The state Department of Public Health will monitor a Bridgeport surgical center for two years in connection with flaws inspectors found in record-keeping, cleanliness, radiology, fire safety and post-surgery care.

Under a consent order announced July 10 by DPH, a clinical consulting firm will monitor the Surgical Center of CT in Bridgeport. The firm will send regular reports to the state on the center’s infection control, medical record documentation, nursing staffing levels, operating room and anesthesia and surgical services.

Dr. Thomas A. Rago, administrator of the center, could not be reached for comment.

State records show that on March 25 and 26, inspectors found that the center failed to document whether it had evaluated patients after surgery to make sure they were not dehydrated, vomiting or suffering respiratory or cardiac problems. Records show that the center also failed to document which staff member administered anesthesia in some cases.

Reviews of the center’s records show that patients were not routinely shielded from radiation when X-rays were taken. The center said it would stop using the equipment until all appropriate guidelines are in place for shielding patients.

The inspection revealed that a suction regulator was missing from one room, and that proper counts of sponges and instruments were not conducted by a registered nurse during surgery as is required.

Inspectors also noticed rust on an IV pole, a torn and cracked operating room table mattress pad and no evidence that the sprinkler system or outlets were regularly inspected. There was also no documentation to show whether the emergency generator was tested each month, as is required, records show.